With adequate maintenance, your air conditioner can run for 15 years or more. But even the most well-maintained air conditioner will need to be updated eventually.

When you’re starting to plan for air conditioning installation in Elk River, we know that the price is number one on your list of questions. The bright side is that getting a new air conditioner might be more affordable than you think it is, thanks to rebates, our special offers and financing for qualified customers. You’ll also receive improved energy efficiency, which will typically pay off over the years through less expensive electrical bills.

Here’s what to anticipate when you’re installing a new air conditioner.

When to Replace Your Air Conditioner

Knowing when to repair or replace your air conditioner might be hard. Here’s what our pros advise.

Replace

  • Your air conditioner is more than 10 years old. While some could work longer, most air conditioners last for around 15 years with annual maintenance. We recommend planning for air conditioning replacement around the 10-year point. Even if you get a new one when it’s only a decade old, the U.S. Department of Energy says this tweak could save you 20-40% on cooling bills.
  • You’ve skipped annual maintenance for a long time. Just like a car, your cooling system has to have annual air conditioning maintenance. Overlooking this critical service can cause decreased efficiency, more recurring repairs and even a reduced life span.
  • Your air conditioner requires frequent or costly repairs. Needing air conditioning repair is typically the result of overlooking service But as your air conditioner ages it’s more likely to have a big breakdown. When repairs are greater than half the cost of a new air conditioner, you should get a new one.
  • Your residence is uncomfortable. If your house feels too muggy or you’re experiencing hot and cold spots in certain rooms, your air conditioner might be having difficulty keeping up. This is a sign you need to replace it.
  • Your cooling bills are high. Your air conditioner becomes less efficient as it gets older. As a result, it might need to work more frequently or longer to keep your house at your desired temperature. Newer air conditioners have the latest energy-efficient technology to keep your residence comfortable and utility bills reasonable.
  • Your air conditioner runs on R-22 refrigerant. If your air conditioner was replaced before 2010, there’s a high likelihood it has Freon. Also known as R-22, this refrigerant is no longer being produced due to its bad effects on the environment. You can keep using your air conditioner, but if it were to develop a refrigerant leak, fixing that would be extremely expensive. This is because R-22 is only available in limited, recycled quantities.

Repair

  1. Your air conditioner is less than 10 years old. If your air conditioner is newer, it’s best to repair it.
  2. Repairs aren’t needed all the time or reasonable. The smartest way to prevent unanticipated repairs is to have yearly service scheduled. But when repairs are only needed intermittently or are economical, repair your air conditioner.
  3. Your air conditioner is covered by a warranty. Most air conditioners are accompanied by a 5- to 10-year limited warranty that usually covers the compressor. Your exact warranty length is up to your manufacturer, but it gives valuable protection in the event of a major failure. If your air conditioner is under warranty, we advise fixing it.

Air Conditioner Cost

Most homeowners spend around $4,631 on a new air conditioner, per national averages compiled by HomeGuide. Air conditioner cost averages often range from $3,350 to $5,912, but your total cost {might|could|may] vary.

There are a couple of factors that impact your total cost, like:

  • The air conditioner model you install, because more energy-efficient ones are higher priced.
  • The size you need.
  • If you need to replace your ductwork, which can be required if your ductwork is old or inefficient.

We provide free estimates at Home Comfort Heating & Air so you can know you’re getting a great deal. And with our wide range of air conditioners, there’s an energy-efficient model that fits just about any budget.

Air Conditioner Size

Air conditioner size is crucial. A system that’s undersized will have difficulty keeping your home cool. And one that’s oversized could turn on and off too many times, or short cycle. This action can drive up your energy expenses and wear your air conditioner out prematurely. This might also cause temperature instabilities and make your residence feel less comfortable.

At Home Comfort Heating & Air, our professionals have many years of experience in accurately sizing and installing the right air conditioner for your house. The size you need depends on how large your residence is, in addition to a couple other things. Some of the most typical sizes include:

  • 2 ton, which cools up to 1,000 square feet
  • 3 ton, which cools up to 1,600 square feet
  • 4 ton, which cools up to 1,900 square feet
  • 5 ton, which cools more than 2,000 square feet

Other considerations that can impact air conditioner size are:

  • The temperatures in Elk River.
  • Ductwork quality and age.
  • How many windows your home has and the style, since expansive or picture windows can be more inefficient.
  • If your residence gets more sun or shade.
  • Insulation quality and depth.
  • How many people are in your family.

SEER Ratings

Your air conditioner’s efficiency is linked to its SEER, or Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating. This ranking measures how well it transforms electricity to create cooling. The higher the ranking, the more efficient the air conditioner is.

When you’re buying a new air conditioner, it’s essential to be aware:

  • Older air conditioners are ranked around 8-9 SEER.
  • Modern air conditioners start at 13 SEER. Ones installed in the southwest and southeast must be a minimum of 14 SEER due to U.S. Department of Energy regulations. As of 2017, these SEER rating requirements have saved homeowners trillions of dollars.
  • ENERGY STAR®-certified air conditioners begin at 14.5 SEER.
  • Higher SEER-rated air conditioners have more features to help you save more. These features may include variable-speed cooling. Instead of operating at 100% continuously, these air conditioners can reduce blower speeds adjusted for your cooling needs. This results in quieter and more energy-efficient comfort. While an air conditioner with a greater SEER rating is typically higher priced, it might be eligible for valuable rebates. And the energy savings over its life span may help it pay for itself.

Start Your Air Conditioning Installation with Home Comfort Heating & Air Today

When you’re researching air conditioning replacement, the company who puts it in is just as essential as the model you go with. Home Comfort Heating & Air is one of the most trusted names for air conditioning installation in Elk River. From helping you find the ideal solution for your house to discussing financing options to professional installation, collaborating with our professionals is a breeze. Reach us at 763-276-0617 to begin right away!